Liverpool are having almost a perfect start of the season. With 15 points from 5 games in the Champions League and 31 points in the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp's side is definitely targeting two biggest trophies of the season.
While Mo Salah, Diogo Jota and others are shining in front of the attack, Trent Alexander-Arnold has regained his form and Thiago is finally showing his best skills at Merseyside, we can say that Liverpool are feeling much more confident in the defence as well as due to Virgil van Dijk's return.
The Dutchman has returned from the heavy injury he suffered last season after the collision with Jordan Pickford and has breathed a new life into the back line following the horrible period last season.
Van Dijk is undoubtedly one of the best center-backs in Europe once again, but his absence last term has left him out from the Top - 10.
So, who made it into our list of best defenders in 2021?
10. Achraf Hakimi, PSG
Getty Images
An impressive and a title-winning season with Inter Milan last term earned Hakimi an opportunity to play for Paris Saint-Germain.
This summer the right-back moved to Paris and has already become a key member in Mauricio Pochettino's squad.
Hakimi has played 21 games so far for PSG and has been directly involved in 5 goals this season.
9. Pau Torres, Villarreal
Getty Images
Pau Torres has had quite a campaign with Villarreal last season with winning the Europa League title and reaching to UEFA Super Cup final.
The 24-year-old centre-back was also involved in Luis Enrique's Spain squad for Euro 2020 this summer, forming a strong partnership with Aymeric Laporte.
Torres' impressive displays earned him interest from Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.
8. Milan Skriniar, Inter Milan
Skriniar
Skriniar, just like his former teammate Hakimi, was involved in Inter's Serie A winning campaign under Antonio Conte last season.
Even after the departure of the Italian coach the Slovakian centre-back remains key member of the Nerazzurri squad, having already played 19 games this season.
7. Jules Kounde, Sevilla
Getty Images
Kounde has definitely caught some attention this year after his displays for Sevilla.
The Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, who are looking to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen as their contracts expire next year.
This season Kounde has been impressive once again, having already made 17 appearances for the Andalusian club.
6.David Alaba, Real Madrid
Getty Images
After another stellar campaign with Bayern Munich last season, Alaba decided to leave the Bundesliga champions and joined Real Madrid this summer.
As well as in Bayern, the Austrian centre-back became a key member in Carlo Ancelotti's Real.
This season Alaba played 19 games and has been directly involved in 5 goals.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly, Napoli
Getty Images
Koulibaly is also no stranger to transfer links. The Senegal international had been heavily linked with a move to England, with Manchester City said to be keen.
However, Koulibaly decided to stay at Napoli, which now leads the Serie A standings after a brilliant start to the season.
The 30-year-old centre-back has played 19 games this season, scored and assisted twice.
4. Thiago Silva, Chelsea
Getty Images
After his move to Chelsea last summer, Thiago Silva immediately became an essential part of the Blues squad.
Even though injury problems frequently interrupt his good run, the Brazilian veteran continues to help Thomas Tuchel's side.
Silva was a key member in Chelsea's Champions League and UEFA Super Cup winning campaigns last term.
3. Joao Cancelo, Manchester City
Getty Images
Just like so many players in the reigning Premier League champions squad, Cancelo is solid and impressive.
The right-back has greatly developed under Pep Guardiola becoming a key member in their title-winning season last term.
This season Cancelo has already played 21 games, scored twice and provided 6 assists.
2. Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea
Getty Images
Another key player in Chelsea's Champions League winning campaign.
Rudiger has been incredible for Blues, however, it seems that the centre-back will not sign an extension, according to reports, and will seek a move away from Stamford Bridge after his contract expires nest summer.
1. Ruben Dias, Manchester City
Getty Images
Ruben Dias became a great revelation last season for the Cityzens. As of the absence of Virgil van Dijk, the Portuguese centre-back was labelled as the best in the world.
And, indeed, it is correct, as this season as well, Dias provides great defence for Guardiola's side as well as is already named as one of the cub captains due to his amazing leadership skills.
Join us on
Telegram!/ Follow us on
Twitter!
